Stories from the long way.

Field notes from the trail and the sea — written by Willem, as they happen.

14 July 2026 · Latest

Five Nights in Marataba

28 June 2026

Five Nights in Makuleke

I am back in Makuleke. A land of immense beauty, but also a harsh and indifferent land. It has always slightly intimidated me.

20 May 2026

Chinese Gybe

3 april 1700h | 830 nm west of Flores, Azores

31 March 2026

Into the cold Atlantic night

31 March 0900 | 130 nm NW of Bermuda

29 March 2026

Inslingeren

I’ve been on JAJO for two weeks now, and it’s been great. Wet and miserable, but great.

6 March 2026

Moitessier, Warrior & Me

It didn’t take me long to come up with a name for the company.

27 January 2026

The restoration of an old boat always begins with destruction. The first step is to pull everything apart. Old wiring, hardened rubber, corroded metal - all of it has to come out. Depending on the age and condition of…

12 January 2026

Three Old Men and the Sea

Hi everyone. I’m doing well. I received many kind messages after my slightly out-of-character display of emotion last week — thank you. After the wobbly start, it didn’t take long to find my stride and now, a week in,…

3 January 2026

I've been here before

I’ve been here before. At the start of a new adventure, asking myself: Why the hell did I have to do this?

New stories land every few weeks.

From the trail and from the sea — written by Willem, sent to your inbox.